"Texas Gospel" Vol. 4: Devil Can’t Harm A Praying Man 1954-1956

In the 1950s, if you were a quartet and a Peacock Recording Artist, man, you were something.

Some of the top quartets of the decade were on Peacock’s roster. Thanks to the Texas Gospel series by Opal Nations and Acrobat Records, the vast majority of Houston-based Peacock’s “World’s Greatest Spirituals” singles from its 1500 and 1700 series are now available on CD, some for the first time.

Sadly, after releasing the first two Texas Gospel volumes, Acrobat is no more. Nevertheless, gospel historian and project annotator Opal Nations has picked up the standard and is stewarding sales of Texas Gospel Volumes 3, 4, and 5. He plans for Texas Gospel to be a seven-volume series of Peacock singles when all is said and done. Meanwhile, this three-CD set, subtitled Devil Can’t Harm a Praying Man (a 1955 Dixie Hummingbirds song included here), features 85 tracks and a 60-page illustrated booklet by Nations that is so thick it hardly fits in the jewel case. (The liner notes are available for reading at www.pewburner.com/about_us.html.)

The 85 tracks on Vols. 3 – 5 take the listener from Peacock 1736 to 1781, or from 1951 to 1957, and feature quartets such as the Dixie Hummingbirds, Sensational Nightingales, Original Five Blind Boys (tracks not already included on a separate Acrobat set dedicated to the Archie Brownlee aggregation), Spirit of Memphis, Gospelaires of Dayton and singers Jessie Mae Renfro and Cleophus Robinson. Gospel hits such as the Birds’ “Trouble in My Way” and “Christian’s Automobile,” and the ‘Gales’ “Somewhere to Lay My Head” and “See How They Done My Lord” are intermixed with lesser-known but equally exquisite tracks such as the Spirit of Memphis’ “When” and the Blind Boys’ pop-flavored “There’s No Need to Cry,” featuring a passionate lead by Brownlee.

Even if you already own many of these recordings on vinyl, there is something about hearing them in chronological order. First, the experience hammers home just how much give and take there was between the “street corner” vocal groups of the mid-50s and gospel quartets when it came to employing doo-wop background vocals, impassioned leads, scooping and soaring falsetto leaps. Second, it helps you appreciate even more the artistry of the Dixie Hummingbirds and Sensational Nightingales and their respective leads Ira Tucker and Julius Cheeks. Third, hearing the various quartets in one sitting gives you a sense of the rivalry of the day, and how amazingly different the Spirit of Memphis was turning out to be. Fourth, it’s easier to carry around than a box full of 78s.

Five of Five Stars (Journal Of Gospel Music)

Info

http://journalofgospelmusic.com/gospel/texas-gospel-devil-cant-harm-a-praying-man/

trax:

1. I Will The Lord Be With You - The Dixie Hummingbirds 2. Go Where Jesus Is - The Sensational Nightingales 3. I'm Serving The Lord - The Sensational Nightingales 4. I'm Not Uneasy - The Dixie Hummingbirds 5. Sinner, Sin No More - The Dixie Hummingbirds 6. It Must Have Been The Lord (That Touched Me) - The Dixie Hummingbirds 7. Take Care Of Me - The Dixie Hummingbirds 8. On The Judgement Day - The Sensational Nightingales 9. Who Will Be The One - The Sensational Nightingales 10. A Christian Life - The Sensational Nightingales 11. Somewhere To Lay My Head - The Sensational Nightingales 12. The Story Of Madame Bethane, Pt 1 - Dixie Hummingbirds & Otis Jackson 13. The Story Of Madame Bethane, Pt 2 - Dixie Hummingbirds & Otis Jackson 14. Just Jesus - The Bells Of Joy 15. Doing For Jesus - The Bells Of Joy 16. Hold My Hand - Sister Jessie Mae Renfro W/ Brother Cecil Shaw & The Blind Boys Of Mississippi 17. Deliver Me - Sister Jessie Mae Renfro W/ Brother Cecil Shaw & The Blind Boys Of Mississippi 18. Poor Pilgrim Of Sorrow - The Dixie Hummingbirds 19. Devil Can't Harm A Praying Man - The Dixie Hummingbirds 20. Room, Room - The Original Five Blind Boys Of Mississippi 21. I've Got A New Born Soul - The Original Five Blind Boys Of Mississippi 22. Save A Seat For Me - The Original Five Blind Boys Of Mississippi 23. There's No Need To Cry - The Original Five Blind Boys Of Mississippi 24. Lord Have Mercy - The Sensational Nightingales 25. See How They Done My Lord - The Sensational Nightingales 26. When I Cross Over - Rev. Cleophus Robinson And Sister Josephine James 27. Pray For Me - Rev. Cleophus Robinson And Sister Josephine James 28. Troubles Will Be Over - The Dixie Hummingbirds 29. Way Up On High - The Dixie Hummingbirds

…served by Gyro1966...

Bobby McClure "Peak Of Love" + "the cherry" LP '88 + Bobby McClure & Willie Clayton "Hi Records Presents" '92

Bobby McClure (April 21, 1942, Chicago, Illinois – November 13, 1992, Los Angeles, California) was an American soul singer. McClure was raised in St. Louis and sang in church and gospel groups in his youth. He sang with The Soul Stirrers (then led by Sam Cooke) in the 1950s, and moved into secular music soon after, singing with Bobby & the Vocals, Big Daddy Jenkins, and Oliver Sain. McClure, who recorded for Checker, a subsidiary of Chess Records, scored two hit singles in the U.S. in 1965, and thereafter helped launch the careers of Little Milton and Fontella Bass; during this time he also played with Otis Clay and Shirley Brown. Perhaps his most powerful record is "Peak of Love," a soul hit that barely scraped the pop charts in late 1966.
McClure moved on from music in the 1970s, working in an Illinois jail as a corrections officer, though he recorded some singles in the 1980s.[1] McClure suffered a brain aneurysm in 1992, and died of complications from a stroke soon after.
INFO
http://twilightzone-rideyourpony.blogspot.com/2011/12/bobby-mcclure-peak-of-love.html

trax:
01 Don't Get Your Signals Crossed 02 Nobody's Fool 03 You Got Me Baby 04 I'm Not Ashamed 05 Peak Of Love 06 Back In Your Arms 07 Baby You Don't Love Me 08 Love's Mystery 09 You'll Miss Me 10 Never Let You Get Away 11 Have A Little Mercy 12 Lost Without Your Love 13 Love's Coming Down On Me
…Many Thanks to The Northern Madman for the Bobby McClure share! served by Gyro1966...

Soul singer Bobby McClure has been credited with two gold singles, "Don't Mess Up A Good Thing" on Chess Records with Fontella Bass and "Peak Of Love"; but never an album until he met up with legendary soul producer Jerry Williams Jr. (aka Swamp Dogg). Williams wrote, produced and played keyboards on the sessions that gave birth to one of the greatest soul blues albums of the 1980’s. Long out of print, McClure’s “The Cherry LP” is finally available in the digital domain, newly remastered.

trax:
01 today you starting leaving him (and loving me) 02 cherry pie 02 when the flavor's gone 04 i can't get enough 05 do do do doop (please come back) 06 i need a job 07 please don't put me out of the band 08 i write another love song 09 i brought it back 10 younger man blues
…Many Thanks to The Northern Madman for the Bobby McClure share! served by Gyro1966...

trax:

01 was it something i said 02 love trap 03 doing it right on time 04 she's miss wonderful 05 i ain't gonna turn you loose 06 hard luck 07 to get what you got 08 hi heel shoes 09 it's time you made up your mind 10 i must be losing you 11 baby you're ready 12 too much of nothing 13 gotta have money 14 hello, how have you been 15 say yes to love 16 abracadabra 17 when i'm gone 18 that wall

…Many Thanks to The Northern Madman for the Bobby McClure share! served by Gyro1966...

"Texas Gospel" Vol. 3: Devil Can’t Harm A Praying Man 1951-1954

In the 1950s, if you were a quartet and a Peacock Recording Artist, man, you were something.

Some of the top quartets of the decade were on Peacock’s roster. Thanks to the Texas Gospel series by Opal Nations and Acrobat Records, the vast majority of Houston-based Peacock’s “World’s Greatest Spirituals” singles from its 1500 and 1700 series are now available on CD, some for the first time.

Sadly, after releasing the first two Texas Gospel volumes, Acrobat is no more. Nevertheless, gospel historian and project annotator Opal Nations has picked up the standard and is stewarding sales of Texas Gospel Volumes 3, 4, and 5. He plans for Texas Gospel to be a seven-volume series of Peacock singles when all is said and done. Meanwhile, this three-CD set, subtitled Devil Can’t Harm a Praying Man (a 1955 Dixie Hummingbirds song included here), features 85 tracks and a 60-page illustrated booklet by Nations that is so thick it hardly fits in the jewel case. (The liner notes are available for reading at www.pewburner.com/about_us.html.)

The 85 tracks on Vols. 3 – 5 take the listener from Peacock 1736 to 1781, or from 1951 to 1957, and feature quartets such as the Dixie Hummingbirds, Sensational Nightingales, Original Five Blind Boys (tracks not already included on a separate Acrobat set dedicated to the Archie Brownlee aggregation), Spirit of Memphis, Gospelaires of Dayton and singers Jessie Mae Renfro and Cleophus Robinson. Gospel hits such as the Birds’ “Trouble in My Way” and “Christian’s Automobile,” and the ‘Gales’ “Somewhere to Lay My Head” and “See How They Done My Lord” are intermixed with lesser-known but equally exquisite tracks such as the Spirit of Memphis’ “When” and the Blind Boys’ pop-flavored “There’s No Need to Cry,” featuring a passionate lead by Brownlee.

Even if you already own many of these recordings on vinyl, there is something about hearing them in chronological order. First, the experience hammers home just how much give and take there was between the “street corner” vocal groups of the mid-50s and gospel quartets when it came to employing doo-wop background vocals, impassioned leads, scooping and soaring falsetto leaps. Second, it helps you appreciate even more the artistry of the Dixie Hummingbirds and Sensational Nightingales and their respective leads Ira Tucker and Julius Cheeks. Third, hearing the various quartets in one sitting gives you a sense of the rivalry of the day, and how amazingly different the Spirit of Memphis was turning out to be. Fourth, it’s easier to carry around than a box full of 78s.

Five of Five Stars (Journal Of Gospel Music)

Info

http://journalofgospelmusic.com/gospel/texas-gospel-devil-cant-harm-a-praying-man/

trax:

1. In That Home By And By - Sister Jessie Mae Renfro 2. He's So Wonderful - Sister Jessie Mae Renfro w/The 5 Blind Boys Of Mississippi 3. A Soldier Not In Uniform - The Sensational Nightingales 4. Will He Welcome Me There - The Sensational Nightingales 5. I Know I've Been Changed - The Dixie Hummingbirds 6. Trouble In My Way - The Dixie Hummingbirds 7. I'll Be Satisfied Then - Sister Jessie Mae Renfro 8. No Room In The Hotel - Sister Jessie Mae Renfro 9. I Thank You, Lord - The Sensational Nightingales 10. A Sinner's Plea - The Sensational Nightingales 11. Lord If I Go - The Dixie Hummingbirds 12. Eternal Life - The Dixie Hummingbirds 13. I Must Tell Jesus - Sister Jessie Mae Renfro 14. Hell's Attraction Light - Sister Jessie Mae Renfro w/The S&L Choir 15. In The Sweet By And By - Rev. Cleophus Robinson & The Spirit Of Memphis Quartet 16. God's Word Will Never Pass Away - The Sensational Nightingales 17. Does Jesus Care - The Sensational Nightingales 18. Let's Go Out To The Programs|Jesus Gave Me Water|Our Father|Mother Bowed|Let's Talk About Jesus|Let's Go Out To The Programs - The Dixie Hummingbirds 19. I'll Keep On Living After I Die - The Dixie Hummingbirds 20. Live Right, Die Right - The Dixie Hummingbirds 21. Prayer Wheel - The Dixie Hummingbirds 22. Another Year - The Sensational Nightingales 23. I'm Going On With Jesus All The Way - The Sensational Nightingales 24. I Wanna Be There - Sister Jessie Mae Renfro 25. I've Had My Chance - Sister Jessie Mae Renfro 26. A Charge To Keep I Have - Rev. Cleophus Robinson 27. Jesus, I Can't Live Without You - Rev. Cleophus Robinson 28. Christian Testimonial - The Dixie Hummingbirds

…served by Gyro1966...

The Boss Martians "The Set-Up" 2003

The Boss Martians have been great at everything they've done. From "surf" to "garage" to just plain rock, these guys know how it's done. Great hooks, great songs, great band. Look for these guys to go FAR very soon. I've seen these guys live tons of times and trust me...THEY ARE ROCK AND ROLL! - By K. ChristiansThese Seattle garage punks stick with producer Johnny Sangster for their fifth album, which finds the band whittled down to its core of lead vocalist/guitarist Evan Foster and keyboard whiz Nick C. Musically though, they continue to grow as they move into early Costello/Cheap Trick pop/punk. The songwriting has taken a major step forward, along with the sound, but both are still firmly rooted in the scrappy '60s style that is obviously close to the duo's hearts. Foster could stand to lose some of his overt Costello-isms on songs like "Run and Hide," which sounds like an outtake from This Year's Model. But there's no denying the propulsive thrust of "Looking for You," with its Townsend-like guitar runs and cheesy synth bubbling under the surface, or the opening, driving, double slap-in-the-face of "I Want to Be Your Addiction" followed by "Kill My Telephone." There is some late Beatles influence in the "I Am the Walrus" opening riff of the epic "Vows," which, at five minutes, is the album's longest and most creative track as it breaks into an unusual Santana-ish jazzy midsection. The Doors are also evident in the closing, slightly experimental meanderings of the title track. The Boss Martians get a lot of mileage out of three chords, and even though we've heard all the elements before, the twosome mixes them with enough explosive energy to make this crisp music seem fresh, if not quite new again. - AllMusic Review by Hal Horowitztrax:

01 I Wanna Be Your Addiction 02 Kill My Telephone 03 I Am Your Radio 04 Walk Away 05 Oh, Angela 06 He'll Be Around 07 Opportunistic Girl 08 Never Let It Happen Again 09 Run And Hide 10 Looking For You 11 Stress Case 12 Vows 13 The Set Up

"Windy City Gospel" Vol. 2 - The Vee Jay Singles 1954-1959

Two CDs, 51 tracks, very highly recommended. Another fabulous of correction of rare and great gospel compiled and annotated by gospel expert Opal Louis Nations. This one is devoted to recordings made for Chicago's other great label Vee-Jay between 1954 and 1959. (Roots & Rhythm)Opal Nations’ latest limited edition two-CD compilation Windy City Gospel Vol. 2 surveys the earliest gospel singles produced by Chicago’s historic Vee Jay Records. As such, the set serves as an aural glimpse of the gospel scene, and particularly the Chicago scene, at mid-century.

Vee Jay Records went from a fledgling label whose first year’s profit was minimal to one of the mightiest record companies in the country.  The company built a sizable and impressive gospel roster, and not surprisingly.  Gospel was one of the reasons Gary radio announcer and music shop owner Vivian Carter Bracken and her husband Jimmy went into the record business in the first place. Among Vee Jay’s first artists were the Maceo Woods Singers; their rhythmically bracing “Run to Jesus” (1954) opens the compilation.

Windy City Gospel Vol. 2 also demonstrates the profound influence that the Church of God in Christ had on gospel music. COGIC groups represented on the collection include the Argo Singers, Brother Isaiah Roberts’ Church of God in Christ Choir, and the Lockhart Singers; Little Esther Lockhart’s lead vocals are precociously charming, like a gospel Frankie Lymon.

Most of the songs on the two-disc collection are on commercial CD for the first time, and there are a few unreleased tracks here, as well. Most notable among the unreleased selections are the Newberry Singers’ stunning a cappella “What Kind of Man” (1956) and the Staple Singers’ original unissued version of 1955’s “Calling Me.”

Male quartets were well represented on Vee Jay and they are well represented on Windy City Gospel. Although Vee Jay’s big sellers in the 1950s were the Harmonizing Four, Swan Silvertones, Highway QCs and Original Five Blind Boys (of Mississippi), Nations focuses on the lesser-known quartets that recorded only a handful of sides for Vivian and Jimmy. Of special interest is the Four Internes’ 1958 “The Road Home.” They start the selection off with a sweet harmony, which had been their stock in trade, but by the end they are hard-shouting. It’s an example of the transition from sweet to shout that many quartets made during the 1950s. Still, Windy City Gospel offers some Swans and Original Five Blind Boys for their fans.

Nations cleans up a few longstanding errors made by previous commercial CD reissues of Vee Jay material. For example, he provides the actual version of “Time is Winding Up” by the Kingdom Bound Singers; the Collectables retrospective on Vee Jay gospel used the Helen Robinson Choir’s version by accident (although Robinson’s can be found on the set, too). Nations also gives the Silver Quintette appropriate attribution as the performers of “Sinner’s Crossroads,” not the Swan Silvertones, as was noted on a modern compilation.

The source material runs from sparkling to vinyl scrubbed of clicks and pops, but overall the sound is clear and resonant.  The set comes with the photos and detailed liner notes that one expects from Opal Nations.

Windy City Gospel is a cornucopia of intense and urgent gospel singing from the soul of the Golden Era and the heart of gospel’s birthplace. It was a time when gospel artists sang and played as if they had nothing to lose – because they didn’t. Five of Five Stars  

http://journalofgospelmusic.com/gospel/windy-city-gospel-vol-2-the-vee-jay-singles-1954-1959/

trax disc 1:

1. Run To Jesus - Rev. Maceo Woods 2. All Night, All Day - Bro. Isaiah's C.O.G.I.G. Choir 3. Own Me As A Child - The Lockhart Singers 4. Walking On The Kings Highway - The Lockhart Singers 5. Lord, Will I Find Peace Someday - Singing Sammy Lewis 6. Jesus Is All In The World To Me - Singing Sammy Lewis 7. Move Up - The Holy Gospel Singers 8. Revive Us Again - The Holy Gospel Singers 9. Going Back To God (Alex Bradford-Piano, Celeste) - The Boyer Brothers 10. Great Day (Part 1) - Rev. James Lofton Choir 11. Great Day (Part 2) - Rev. James Lofton Choir 12. Feed Me 'Til I Want No More - The Lockhart Singers 13. I Want To Be A Christian - The Lockhart Singers 14. Where Is My Mother - The Mont'gue 15. Calling Me (Original Version) - The Staple Singers 16. When The Saints Go Marching In - The Spiritualaires 17. Can't Hide Sinner - The Spiritualaires 18. Sign Of The Judgement - Rev. Maceo Woods 19. He's Alright With Me - The Argo Singers 20. What Kind Of Man - The Newberry Singers 21. I Could Tell The World - The Newberry Singers 22. I'm Out On Life's Ocean - The Spiritualaires 23. I'm Going On To Glory - The Spiritualaires 24. Prayer For Tomorrow - The Kelly Brothers 25. God Said He Is Coming Back Again - The Kelly Brothers 26. Time In Winding Up - The Helen Robinson Youth Choir 27. Father Don't Leave Me - The Silver Quintet

trax disc 2:

1. Sinner's Crossroads - The Silver Quintet 2. No Tears In Heaven - Raymond Rasberry Singers 3. Jesus Is All To Me - Raymond Rasberry Singers 4. If You Miss Me Here - Rev. Maceo Woods 5. Family Prayer - The Spiritualaires 6. Pressing On - The Spiritualaires 7. I Need Thee - Mighty Skylight Singers 8. What Shall We Call Him - Mighty Skylight Singers 9. It's A Wonder - Blind Boys Of Mississippi 10. Let's Spread The News - Raymond Rasberry Singers 11. Where Jesus Is The Light - Raymond Rasberry Singers 12. I Want To Be Baptized - Mighty Skylight Singers 13. If Jesus Came To Your House - Mighty Skylight Singers 14. Give An Account Of Your Sins - Knowles & Jackson Sextet 15. Brighter Day Ahead - Knowles & Jackson Sextet 16. When You Pray - The Four Internes 17. The Road Home (With Alonzo E. Eubanks) - The Four Internes 18. Oh Mary Don't You Weep (Live) - The Swan Silvertone Singers 19. I'll Be Standing - The Kingdom Bound Singers 20. Time Is Winding Up - The Kingdom Bound Singers 21. Lift Him Up - Mighty Skylight Singers 22. Never Alone - Mighty Skylight Singers 23. Jesus Is Mine - The Four Internes 24. Christ Is My Life - Knowles & Jackson Sextet 25. Jesus Is The Light Of The World - Knowles & Jackson Sextet 26. Operator - The Friendly Brothers 27. On This Christian Highway - The Friendly Brothers

…served by Gyro1966...

"Texas Gospel" Vol. 2: Be What You Are 1953-1954

Acrobat's second collection of gospel quartet singing recorded for the Duke and Peacock labels features 24 tracks from 1953 and '54 - most making their first appearance on CD - The Christland Singers, Southern Tones, Sunset Travelers, Mid South Singers, Heaven Bound Four, Southern Wonders and The Christian Travelers. (Roots & Rhythm)Our Gospel series continues with this second edition review of one of the most famous and prestigious post war gospel labels – Peacock Records, a subsidiary of Duke Records. Based in Dallas, the label was one of the first to openly promote Gospel music like R&B and reaped rewards for many years to come.  They were also one of the first companies to promote Gospel as a commercial and popular genre and not purely as a religious medium.These are the labels first releases and have never been available on CD before, in fact some tracks have never been heard since their original release on 78. Continuing the theme of the last release, the liner notes for this release carry on being written by Opal Louis Nation, one of the world’s leading authorities of Gospel Music. (Acrobat)

trax:

1. Am I too Close - The Christland Singers 2. Someday Somewhere - The Christland Singers 3. Keep Me Part 1 - The Christland Singers 4. Keep Me Part 2 - The Christland Singers 5. It must be Jesus - The Southern Tones 6. The Dying Sinner - The Southern Tones 7. Be what you are - The Southern Tones 8. Just a closer walk - The Southern Tones 9. I'm going on in his name - The Southern Tones 10. My mind on Jesus - The Southern Tones 11. My number will be changed - The Sunset Travellers 12. Yes Yes I've done my duty - The Sunset Travellers 13. Lord come on and see about me - The Mid-South Singers 14. Will meet you in the morning - The Mid-South Singers 15. I'm giving up this world - The Heaven Bound Four 16. There's a hand gone before - The Heaven Bound Four 17. I'm building a home - The Sunset Travellers 18. Wish I was in heaven sitting down - The Sunset Travellers 19. How much more can I bear? - The Southern Wonders 20. I'll fly away - The Southern Wonders 21. Make more room for Jesus in your life - The Christland Singers 22. Well done - The Christland Singers 23. Oh what a Saviour - The Christland Singers 24. Only a pilgrim - The Christland Singers

…served by Gyro1966...

Neues aus der DVD & Video Ecke. sommerliche Grüße aus der Hauptstadt - DooWopDaddyO

"Texas Gospel" Vol. 1: Come On Over Here 1951-1953

Our Gospel series continues with a review of one of the most famous and prestigious post war gospel labels ? Peacock Records. Based in Dallas, the label was one of the first to openly promote Gospel music like R&B and reaped rewards for many years to come. They were also one of the first companies to promote Gospel as a commercial and popular genre and not purely as a religious medium. These are the labels first releases and have never been available on CD before, in fact some tracks have never been heard since their original release on 78. The series also neatly dovetails with our earlier releases, ?Texas Blues? Vols 1, 2 & 3 (ACMCD 4003/4/5) and demonstrate Texas? importance in the development of American music and culture. (Acrobat)

trax:

1. I Know My Jesus Is the Light - The Christland Singers 2. Let Me Tell You About Jesus - The Christland Singers 3. In a Few More Days - The Christland Singers 4. Peace in the Land - The Christland Singers 5. Come on Over Here - The Southern Wonders 6. Who Is That Knocking - The Southern Wonders 7. Gambling Man - The Southern Wonders 8. This Is the Rest for the Weary - The Southern Wonders 9. Rest From My Labour - The Gospel Tone Singers 10. Speak to Me Jesus - The Gospel Tone Singers 11. God Spoke to Me One Day - The Swanee Spiritual Singers 12. Let Us Stand on the Rock - The Swanee Spiritual Singers 13. Will There Be Any Stars in My Crown Part 1 - The Golden Harp Gospel Singers 14. Will There Be Any Stars in My Crown Part 2 - The Golden Harp Gospel Singers 15. Calling Jesus, My Rock - The Golden Harp Gospel Singers 16. I'll Make It Somehow - The Golden Harp Gospel Singers 17. I Just Can't Keep Crying - The Stars Of Hope 18. I Want to Be More Like Jesus - The Stars Of Hope 19. Where Shall I Go - The Stars Of Hope 20. You Better Mind - The Stars Of Hope 21. God's Chariot Part 1 - The Gospel Travelers 22. God's Chariot Part 2 - The Gospel Travelers 23. After a While - Wilson & Watson Singers 24. Keep the Fire Burning in Me - Wilson & Watson Singers

…served by Gyro1966...

"Windy City Gospel" Vol. 1 - On South Cottage Grove 1947-1958

The front cover promises 'Windy City Gospel on South Cottage Grove 1947-1959', and Opal Louis Nations' notes make frequent mention of South Cottage Grove, ambiguously readable as a location or a label. Never heard of it? There are clues to what we're really talking about in the CDs' Macomba branding, and the all-square borders of the booklet design. For many readers, the track listing will be giveaway enough, but if anyone still hasn't figured things out, Garry Kasparov could probably Len a hand to Phil in the blanks (Shetland readers will recognise the influence of the Up Helly Aa bill on the previous sentence).

The Blue Jay Singers, possibly Birmingham's greatest quartet, get matters off to an almost unsurpassable start, but they have plenty of competition from the other artists here. Admittedly, 'Gatemouth' Moore, although lively, is not a front-runner; a blues singer who'd recently seen the light, he seems still to be developing an individual gospel style. These early recordings owe a sizeable debt to Sister Rosetta Tharpe, above all on 'The Bible's Being Fulfilled Every Day'. Robert Anderson, rightly described by Opal as 'perhaps the most skilful post-war baritone to come out of Chicago', has no problem establishing his individuality and greatness. He's supported by female singers, who are severely under-represented on these discs. Company policy? It seems unlikely, given that Sister Tharpe wasn't the only big star on the distaff side. 

Normally, I'd pick out highlights, but in the case of the quartets, virtually everything is top flight, even from total unknowns like the Spiritual Stars. Special mention is due, though, to the Norfolk Singers' driving 'Dig A Little Deeper', which avoids the fancy chords that a number of quartets apply to that song. The Evangelist Gospel Singers of Alabama, and the variously numbered Melody Men hark back, very pleasingly, to jubilee stylings; so do the Memphis- based Brewsteraires, whose revival of a song associated by the likes of us with Blind Lemon Jefferson begins in solemn beauty, and by the end has become larky enough to feature a vocal tromnet break. 

The Southern Stars, from Virginia, had four singles on the mystery label, and are accordingly 

the most heavily represented quartet here; they combine Tidewater close harmony with the more aggressive lead singing that was coming to dominance in the early fifties. The Silver Stars were also Virginians; from Richmond, they often shared the bill with the city's much more famous Harmonizing Four. On the evidence here, they must have held their own. 

Of the singing preachers and guitar evangelists, Rev. Utah Smith has been much reissued, but is still a marvel; so, too, is Rev. Chambers, whose tale of all-in wrestling with Old Nick makes one sigh for its flipside, which couldn't be traced for inclusion. Elder Beck, ragging on 'Winehead Willie', combines comedy with serious social criticism; on the reverse, he takes Roy Brown's gospel-inflected blues stylings back to church on a feedback loop. Beck's tracks on CD two are a bit syrupy, sad to say. Also taking the blues to Sunday school is Rev. Ballinger; his piano, Willie Dixon's bass and Odie Payne's drumming generate a wonderful, sauntering swing. Rev. H.R. Jelks is represented by the straining final third of a six-sided sermon. 

The Gospel Wonders probably include Calvin White, who went on to sing memorable lead with Abyssinian Baptist Choir, and had a modest career in soul music with C and the Shells, aka the Sandpebbles. The Wonders' tracks are enjoyable enough; much more compelling are the Bells of Joy and the Blind Boys of Mississippi, who join the roster towards the end of both the fifties and these discs. Their presence emphasises the comparative scarcity of nationally celebrated artists on - I can't be bothered to keep up the charade - Chess. The Bells' and the Blind Boys' sides are among a good many leased from smaller labels; that even Chess's biggest gospel star, Rev. C.L. Franklin, was outsourced from Joe Von Battle suggests that Len and Phil saw gospel as just a tributary branch of their revenue stream. Archie Brownlee's final recordings are predictably ferocious, and the Bells are reliably professional, although the guitar part on 'I Found Another Soldier', sounding like an electric ukulele, is odd. 

That famous names are a rarity on these discs usefully highlights the fact that, in the fifties, the rock of ages had quality written all the way through it. The otherwise completely obscure Dixieland Singers and Pilgrim Harmonaires are up close to the greats for precision, beauty and intensity, and even the engagingly artless Ellis & Dixon aggregation, perhaps briefly emerging from a local church, have a great deal of charm; they feature a female lead, trumpet, trombone and smoky saxophone. 'Windy City Wonders' lives up to its title almost throughout, and is another must-have from Opal's reissue assembly line; you can get it (only, we're advised) from Roots & Rhythm, and so you should. - Chris Smith

trax disc 1:

1. in the upper room '47 - The Famous Blue Jay Singers 2. i'm bound for canaan land '47 - The Famous Blue Jay Singers 3. glory, glory hallelujah '48 - Rev. Dwight "Gatemouth" Moore 4. the bible's being fulfilled every day '48 - Rev. Dwight "Gatemouth" Moore 5. by and by '48 - The Norfolk Singers 6. dig a little deeper '48 - The Norfolk Singers 7. jesus (is my friend) '50 - Robert Anderson & Choir 8. i'm going through '51 - Rev. Dwight "Gatemouth" Moore 9. thank you jesus '51 - Rev. Dwight "Gatemouth" Moore 10. leaning on the lord '51 - The Evangelist Gospel Singers Of Alabama 11. lord, stop the war '51 - The Evangelist Gospel Singers Of Alabama 12. i'm on my way '51 - The Four-A-Melody-Men 13. mother pray for me '51 - The Four-A-Melody-Men 14. good religion '51 - The Spiritual Stars 15. i'll search heaven '51 - The Spiritual Stars 16. never grow old '51 - The Evangelist Gospel Singers Of Alabama 17. walk in the light '51 - The Evangelist Gospel Singers Of Alabama 18. where shall i be when the first trumpet sounds '52 - The Brewsteraires 19. (the lord gave me) wings for my soul '52 - The Brewsteraires 20. me and the devil '52 - The Rev. Chambers 21. don't give up '52 - The Rev. Chambers 22. surely god is able '52 - The Southern Stars 23. this world is in a bad condition (78 rpm b-side) '52 - The Southern Stars 24. i'm gonna tell god '53 - Elder Charles Beck 25. wine head willie put that bottle down '53 - Elder Charles Beck 26. i saw the light '53 - The Southern Stars 27. prodigal son '53 - The Southern Stars

trax disc 2:

1. 12 years old '53 - The Siver Stars 2. take it to the lord '53 - The Siver Stars 3. two wings '53 - Rev. Utah Smith 4. take a trip '53 - Rev. Utah Smith 5. i remember i heard my mother pray '54 - The Southern Stars 6. tired of the devil '54 - The Southern Stars 7. i'm walking with jesus at my side '54 - Elder Charles Beck 8. when '54 - Elder Charles Beck 9. jesus will be waiting' 54 - The Southern Stars 10. weep little children '54 - The Southern Stars 11. the gospel of jesus christ (pt. 3) '54 - Rev. H.R. Welks 12. how i got over '55 - Rev. Robert Ballinger 13. this train '55 - Rev. Robert Ballinger 14. our prayer '55 - The Dixieland Singers 15. where we never grow old '55 - The Dixieland Singers 16. precious memories, pts. 1 & 2 '56 - Ellis & Dixon Spiritual & Vocal Group 17. he's my all and all '57 - The Gospel Wonders 18. i want to live, live, live '57 - The Gospel Wonders 19. he said he would move '57 - The Pilgrim Harmonaires 20. what a fellowship '55 - The Bells Of Joy 21. i found another soldier '55 - The Bells Of Joy 22. a weeping for a mighty long time '59 - The Five Blind Boys Of Mississippi 23. take your burdens to jesus '59 - The Five Blind Boys Of Mississippi 24. nobody knows, nobody cares '47 - The Seven Melody Men 25. rockin' lord '47 - The Seven Melody Men

…served by Gyro1966...

H.P. LOVECRAFT "II" 1968

Absolutely the quintessential San Francisco psychedelic album which completely captures the zeitgeist of that particular brief era as no others ever did - superb from start to finish. - John ThorogoodHP LOVECRAFT named after the classic neo-gothic writer, was comprised of a central quintet George Edwards, Dave Michaels and Tony Cavallari. Although the group never reached permanent superstar status, they became something of a cult favorite of the folk-rock psychedelic milieu (with an emphasis on psychedelic.) Their male duets were exceptional and their music demonstrated crosscurrents with The Grateful Dead and Jefferson Airplane. Some of their tunes are uncannily remind the listener of today's Radio Head. The selection is a double CD on one and the song The White Ship inspired by the original H.P. Lovecraft's use of opium is well worth the discounted price of the CD. The White Ship is on a counter-culture pare with White Rabbit and a brilliant piece of musical construction. Reviewer: Jason Farrow (www.gnostics.com)traxfromwax:

1. Spin, Spin, Spin 2. It's About Time 3. Blue Jack Of Diamonds 4. Electrollentando 5. At The Mountains Of Madness 6. Mobius Trip 7. High Flying Bird 8. Nothing's Boy 9. Keeper Of The Keys

"Northern Soul Of Detroit" (Goldmine 168)

Rare collection of soul that is now out of print.Released as GSCD168 on the Goldmine label in 2005.

Contains 4 tracks in the Northern Soul Top 500.

Contains 2 tracks in the Significant Sides of '78 in The Wigan Casino Years.

Contains 1 track in the Mark Freeman's all-time Top Ten in Too Darn Soulful.

Contains 1 track in the Neil Austin's Main Hall Top Ten in Too Darn Soulful.

Contains 1 track in the David River's 5 all-time favourite tracks in The In Crowd - The Story of the Northern and Rare Soul Scene.

Contains 1 track in the Mark Bicknell's 5 all-time favourite tracks in The In Crowd - The Story of the Northern and Rare Soul Scene.

trax:

1. Fascinating Girl - George Lemons 2. I Still Love You - Chuck Holiday 3. Not My Girl - Johnny Hampton 4. No One To Love - Pat Lewis 5. Ooh Boy - Adorables 6. I'm Gone - Eddie Parker 7. Don't Do Nothing I Wouldn't Do - Connie Van Dyke 8. Johnny On The Spot - Dennis Edwards 9. Candle In The Window - Doni Burdick 10. Where Are You - Four Sonics 11. No Part Time Love For Me - Martha Starr 12. I Feel Strange - Wonderettes 13. Some Good In Everything Bad - Fabulous Apollos 14. Good Things Come To Those Who Wait - Willie Hatcher 15. No Mad Woman - Jock Mitchell 16. Lonely One - Tempos 17. I'll Be On My Way - Bob & Fred 18. Fifteen Cent Love - Albert Jones 19. I'm A Peace Lovin' Man - Emmanuel Laskey 20. I'm So Thankful - Chuck Overton 21. I Won't Have Any Babies For You - Bitter & Sweet

…Many Thanks to The Northern Madman for the share! served by Gyro1966...

"Jiving On Central Avenue" Postwar R&B In Los Angeles Vol. 3

Another installemnt in this fine series of post war rarities.....including the debut release of guitar legend CHUCK NORRIS & some hard to find recordings from guitarist TEDDY BUNN...

INFO

http://www.bluebeatmusic.com/product_info.php?products_id=19492

trax:

1. Boogie Woogie Cue - Gladys Bentley & Quintette 2. Household Troubles - Clarence Samuels & Sextette 3. That's A Good Little Old Deal - Hollywood's Four Blazes 4. Money's Getting Cheaper - The Charles Norris Trio 5. Bye Bye Baby Blues - Johnny Giles & The Jive Five 6. Fat Man Boogie - Clifford Bivens 7. Tiddle De Winks - Cal Lucas & His Orchestra vcl. Ed Harris 8. I'll Make The Trip - Tabby With Que Martin Orchestra 9. You Don't Live Here No More - Teddy Bunn's Group vcl. Smokey Whitfield & Moneyye Moore 10. Fla-Ga-La-Pa - Timmie Rogers with The Al "Stomp" Russell Trio 11. Edgar's Boogie - Edgar Hayes & His Stardusters 12. Before The Deal Goes Down - Shifty Henry & His Stars Of Swing 13. Find Out What He Likes (And How He Likes It) - The Gladys Bentley Quintette 14. Don't Ever Trust A Woman - The Dootsie Williams Orchestra 15. Sunday Morning Blues - Edgar Hayes & His Stardusters 16. Hep Paderewski From Basin Street - The Timmie Rogers Quintette 17. Don't Let The Sun Catch You Crying - Ernie Andrews with Wilbert Baranco's Orchestra 18. Blues Ain't Nothin' - The Dootsie Williams Orchestra vcl. Cliff Holland 19. Rack 'Em Back - Effie Smith & Johnny Criner 20. No Better For Me - The Charles Norris Trio 21. Caliente - Johnny Creach's Majors & Minors 22. Walkin' Blues - Johnny Grissom 23. Too Bad - Bobby Pittman with Marvin Johnson's Orchestra 24. Night Life - Shifty Henry & His Stars Of Swing

…served by Gyro1966...

TOMMY HUNT "Live At Wigan Casino" (Lp sparks label 1975) + "The Best Of Tommy Hunt" '08 + "The Biggest Man" - Scepter & Dynamo 61-68

trax:
01 I Can't Turn You Lose 02 Get Ready 03 My Girl 04 Knock On Wood 05 Never Can Say Goodbye 06 Help Me Make It Through The Night 07 Crackin' Up 08 Baby I Need Your Loving 09 Interview Live At Wigan Casino 1975
…Thanks To Northern Madman! served by Gyro1966...This 2008 collection presents 25 of the finest tunes by 1960s soul singer Tommy Hunt, a one-time member of the Flamingos. In addition to Hunt’s biggest solo single, the passionate “Human,” the compilation includes a wonderfully downbeat version of Burt Bacharach’s “I Just Don’t Know What to Do with Myself” and the fiery “I Am a Witness,” making it an excellent introduction to the Philadelphia-born vocalist. (Thanks To Northern Madman)

trax:
01 human 02 the work song 03 i just don't know what to do with myself 04 you're so fine 05 i am a witness 06 the door is open 07 parade of broken hearts 08 and i never knew 09 you made a man out of me 10 lover 11 she'll hurt you too 12 poor millionaire 13 i'm wondering 14 so lonely 15 didn't i tell you 16 the biggest man 17 do you really love me 18 new neighborhood 19 make the night a little longer 20 don't make me over 21 your man 22 false alarm 23 this & only this 24 just a little taste (of your sweet lovin') 25 promised land
…Thanks To Northern Madman! served by Gyro1966...This 29-song compilation of Hunt's 1961-68 recordings for the Scepter and Dynamo labels features, as the liner notes declare, "80% of Tommy Hunt's U.S. solo recordings." Most of the CD is taken from Hunt's 1961-64 singles for Scepter (including the original version of Bacharach-David's "I Just Don't Know What to Do with Myself" and his biggest hit, 1961's "Human") and outtakes from the period that showed up in the '80s and '90s on assorted Kent compilations. There are also less impressive tracks from his stay at Luther Dixon's Dynamo label in 1967-68. The notable but odd New York 1960s soul offered here has its virtues, but nonetheless, it is not immediately arresting -- not enough to garner more than a cult following. Hunt, like fellow Scepter artists Dionne Warwick, Chuck Jackson, and Maxine Brown, benefited from the label's patented "uptown" brand of soul, with its sumptuous string arrangements, choral backup vocals, and theatrical pop songwriting. Yet Hunt lagged behind everyone else in that list regarding his commercial impact and, ultimately, the quality of his work. He had a deep voice which was a tad overwrought, but not as dramatically overwrought (and therefore appropriate for the Scepter/Wand production mill) as that of his rival Chuck Jackson. With the singular exception of Bacharach-David's "I Just Don't Know What to Do With Myself," he was not gifted with material as outstanding as the best of what Warwick, Jackson, and Brown received. However, for the listener who both digs the Scepter sound and is willing to settle for less brilliance than could be found with those other singers, this is a recommended disc, if only for the commendably typical and pleasing Scepter production and arrangements, complemented by Hunt's competent delivery. There are some nice surprises along the way, like the dramatically arching "This and Only This," one of the finest overlooked Leiber-Stoller compositions, and "It's All a Bad Dream," with its unusual fish-tank sound effects. (Richie Unterberger, Allmusic) (Gyro1966 fresh rip)

trax:

01 The Biggest Man 02 I Just Don't Know What To Do With Myself 03 Human 04 Lover 05 New Neighbourhood 06 She'll Hurt You Too 07 You Made A Man Out Of Me 08 I Might Like It 09 Didn't I Tell You 10 Make The Night A Little Longer 11 This And Only This 12 Just A Little Taste (Of Your Sweet Lovin') 13 Coming On Strong 14 How Can I Be Anything (Without You) 15 Everybody's Got A Home But Me 16 Words Can Never Tell 17 False Alarm 18 I Am A Witness 19 Your Man 20 Don't Make Me Over 21 It's All A Bad Dream 22 Promised Land 23 Parade Of Broken Hearts 24 Poor Millionaire 25 So Lonely 26 It's All In The Game 27 Do You Really Love Me 28 I'm Wondering 29 Oh Lord, What Are You Doing To Me

…served by Gyro1966...

"Jiving On Central Avenue" Postwar R&B In Los Angeles Vol. 2

Another great collection of West Coast obscurities, small label gems and swinging sounds...A second excellent collection of jump blues and jive recorded in Los Angeles in the late 40s and early 50s - most of it making its first appearance on CD. It opens with the romping Rock-A-Bye Baby by Frank Haywood with Tucker's Top Men and includes the fine Mister No Good with verbal banter between Jeanette Franklin & Nelson Alexander and Shorty by Vernon Dilworth's Top Cats - a version of Shorty's Got To Go - a song about a cat who steals a soldier's wife while he was in the army that was recorded by a number of artists in the 40s. Pianist/ vocalist Al "Stomp" Russell is here with his trio on the Charles Brown flavored blues ballad More Than You Know and there are more fine tracks from Numa Lee Davis, Geechie Smith, Anna Mae Winburn & Her Sweethearts, Ducky Drake with Dimples Harris Combo, LIl Greenwood, Paul Clifton, Little David & Orch., Joe Lutcher & His Orch., etc. Excellent sound and the booklet notes continue the story of the L.A. R&B scene with particular reference to the artists in this series. (FS)

INFO

http://www.bluebeatmusic.com/product_info.php?cPath=8&products_id=18982

trax:

1. Rock-a-Bye Baby - Frank Haywood With Tucker's Top Men 2. Rompin' And Stompin' - Peppy Prince 3. Mister No Good - The Jake Porter Combo 4. Rain - Oscar McLollie 5. Shorty - Vernon Dilworth's Top Cats 6. Little Baby - Pete Peterson And His Orch. 7. More Than You Know - The Al Stomp Russell Trio 8. Street Of Dreams - Gene Parrish 9. Just A Dream - Numa Lee Davis With Russel Jacquet & His Yellw Jackets 10. You Don't Live But Once - Herb Fischer 11. I Want A Little Girl - Geechie Smith 12. Bayou Bounce - Ramp Davis 13. Fool Blues - Anna Mae Winburn & Her Sweethearts 14. Keep Your Nose Out'A My Business - Jake Porter Combo 15. Saint Or Sinner - Ducky Drake With Dimples Harris Combo 16. Loved And Lost - Ollie Jackson And His Band 17. Can't Help But Love You - Lil Greenwood 18. The Hole In The Wall - Jimmy Grissom 19. Help - Paul Clifton 20. Ooo-Ow! - James "Deacon" Ware 21. Macayo - Little David & Orch. 22. Long Lean Lanky Juke Box - Dimples Harris & Combo 23. I'm Cuttin' Out - Joe Lutcher & His Orch.

…served by Gyro1966...

TOMMY HUNT "A Sign Of The Times" '76 + "Human" - His Golden Classics '91 + "I Just Don't Know What To Do With Myself" '62

From The Northern Madman’s collection of Northern and Soul…Tommy Hunt is one of my all time favorite singers - a legend in our time and still giving his all. Real Name - Charles James HuntUS Soul singer Born on the 18th June 1933 in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, USA. He was a member of The Flamingos until 1960 when he started his solo career in New York. He had a string of releases throughout the 60s and was a regular at the famous Apollo. He came to the UK in the early 70s and played at the 2nd Anniversary of the Wigan Casino. This led to his connection with Russ Winstanly & Mike Walker and his rise as a Northern Soul star.

trax:
01 loving on the losing side 02 upon my soul 03 get out 04 a miracle like you 05 you got me where you want me 06 a sign of the times 07 sign on the dotted line 08 loving you is 09 crackin' up 10 help me make it thru' the night 11 sunshine girl 12 never can say goodbye
…Thanks To Northern Madman! served by Gyro1966...Tommy Hunt was a Pittsburgh-born journeyman R&B singer who had enjoyed success as a member of the Flamingos and scored a modest hit single with "Human," but his most lasting impact came in Europe and the United Kingdom, where Hunt found a loyal audience for his gruff but polished vocals on the cabaret circuit and later among British Northern soul fans, who hailed him as a neglected hero. During his time in England, Hunt cut a pair of albums for Spark Records, a specialist label that catered to Northern soul fans, and A Sign of the Times: The Spark Recordings 1975-1976 pairs them on a single CD. The 1976 studio album A Sign of the Times kicks off the set, dominated by tunes from the songwriting team of Eddie Adamberry and Tony Craig, though covers of Roy Hamilton's "Crackin' Up" and Kris Kristofferson's "Help Me Make It Through the Night" are also on board. The arrangements surprisingly don't lean especially strongly to the conventions of Northern soul, with many of the numbers leaning to early disco (complete with crisp string and horn charts) and others embracing a contemporary R&B ballad sound rather than mimicking classic soul dusties. But Hunt handles the material well, sounding passionate without pushing the histrionics, and if his voice is good rather than great, he's a showman who knows how to make the most of the emotional range of these tunes. Hunt the Showman is front and center on the second album, 1975's Live at Wigan Casino, recorded during a performance at the fabled Northern soul mecca; if Hunt seems a bit reserved in the studio, he comes to life in front of an audience, and though this set of covers only gives him so much to work with compared to the originals, Hunt sounds spirited and he clearly knows how to work a crowd, with this performance generating plenty of heat despite the flaws in the audio. A Sign of the Times isn't likely to convince anyone that Tommy Hunt was one of the great forgotten men of soul, but based on this material he certainly deserved a longer run in the spotlight than he received, and this is well worth a listen for soul and R&B completists. (Mark Deming, Allmusic) (Thanks To Northern Madman)

trax:
01 human 02 i am a witness 03 lover 04 she'll hurt you too 05 didn't i tell you 06 this & only this 07 it's all a bad dream 08 make the night a little longer 09 oh lord, what are you doing to me 10 your man 11 don't make me over 12 promised land
…Thanks To Northern Madman! served by Gyro1966...Pittsburgh-born Tommy (Charles) Hunt sang alongside Johnnie Taylor in The Five Echoes during the early '50s and then joined The Flamingos in 1956 and sang with them on Chess and End Records. In 1961 he signed with Wand/Scepter, where he recorded two best sellers, "Human" and "I Am a Witness" (both included). Of the remaining ten songs on this CD, "Your Man" and "Don't Make Me Over" are the two which stand out. (Allmusic) (Thanks To Northern Madman)

trax:

01 i just don't know what to do with myself 02 the work song 03 parade of broken hearts 04 you're so fine 05 she'll hurt you too 06 and i never knew 07 human 08 didn't i tell you 09 the door is open 10 poor millionaire 11 so lonely 12 i'm wondering

…Thanks To Northern Madman! served by Gyro1966...

"Jiving On Central Avenue" Postwar R&B In Los Angeles Vol. 1

Revved up jump sounds from California... we love it!!!...Terrific collection of jump blues and jive recorded in Los Angeles in the late 40s and early 50s - most of it making its first appearance on CD. It includes the unexpected topical commentary Dig Mister K. Kay Kay which disguises its political message in a catchy jive tune ending with the line "the FBI says they've really got to go." In complete contrast Nellie Lutcher's brother Joe extols the virtues of Hadacol in Give Me My Hadacol and King Gene (Gene Phillips) celebrates Great Big Pretty Legs. Lots more fine sides from Wini Beatty & Her Trio, Maxine Reed, Sammy Franklin's Orch. (the storming honking instrumental Bouncin'), Gene Parrish, Numa Lee Davis, Prince Albert & His Orch., Ramp Davis (actually recorded in New Orleans!), Geechie Smith and others. Sound quality is superb and booklet has introductory notes indicating that more volumes are on the way - should be something to look forward to. (FS) (Roots & Rhythm)

INFO

http://www.bluebeatmusic.com/product_info.php?products_id=18972

trax:

1. Great Big Pretty Legs - King Gene & His Orchestra 2. You Can't Bring Me Down - Oscar McLollie & Orchestra (Paul Clifton, Vocal) 3. Put Your Brakes On Papa - Wini Beatty & Her Trio 4. Dig Mr. K. Kay Kay - Al "Stomp" Russell Trio (Doc Basso, Vocal) 5. Hit That Jive Jack - Ernie Lewis' All Stars 6. Give Me My Hadacol - Joe Lutcher And His Orchestra 7. Afraid Of Darkness - Maxine Reed & D.B. Orchestra 8. Rockin' Jenny Jones - Johnny Creach Quintet (Happy Joe Lewis, Vocal) 9. Bouncin' - Sammy Franklin's Orchestra 10. Naughty Baby - Fran Harris & Her Four Friends 11. You're Worrying Me - Gene Parrish 12. She Wouldn't Lay Down - Johnny Taylor & His Band 13. Wake Up Old Maid - Numa Lee Davis W/ Russell Jacquet's Yellow Jackets 14. It Was You - Eddie Beale Fourtette (Gene Forrest, Vocal) 15. Midnight Boogie - Prince Albert & His Orchestra 16. Big Steal Blues - Anna Mae Winburn & Her Sweethearts 17. The Blues Has Got Me - Ramp Davis 18. Casino - Oscar McLollie & His Band 19. Look Homeward Angel - Johnny Creach Quintet 20. Geneva Sue - Geechie Smith 21. He's My Texas Baby - Fran Harris & Her Four Friends 22. Fat Boogie Woogie - Ollie Jackson And His Band 23. Love Will Make You A Slave - Lil Greenwood 24. Cryin' In My Sleep - Herb Fisher

…served by Gyro1966...

Koko Taylor "I Got What It Takes" '75 + "Alligator Years"

The queen's first album for Alligator, and still one of her very best to date. A tasty combo sparked by guitarists Mighty Joe Young and Sammy Lawhorn and saxist Abb Locke provide sharp support as the clear-voiced Taylor belts Bobby Saxton's "Trying to Make a Living," and Magic Sam's "That's Why I'm Crying," her own "Honkey Tonkey" and "Voodoo Woman," and Ruth Brown's swinging "Mama, He Treats Your Daughter Mean." (Bill Dahl, Allmusic)

trax:
01 Trying To Make A Living 02 I Got What It Takes 03 (Mama) He Treats Your Daughter Mean 04 Voodoo Woman 05 Be What You Want to Be 06 Honkey Tonkey 07 Big Boss Man 08 Blues Never Die 09 Find a Fool, Bump Her Head 10 Happy Home 11 That's Why I'm Crying
…Many Thanks to JcOrk for this share! served by Gyro1966...While some fans may argue that Koko Taylor's Chess material is slightly superior, there is no denying the power of these Alligator sessions. Deluxe Edition collects 15 of her very best tracks from her Alligator releases since 1975. Some of the high points include the many guest spots from Buddy Guy, B.B. King, Pinetop Perkins, Mighty Joe Young, and Carey Bell. As a Deluxe Edition bonus, the unreleased track "Man Size Job" is included, making this collection hard to beat for both collectors and the novice.  (Al Campbell, Allmusic)

trax:

01 I'm A Woman 02 Beer Bottle Boogie 03 Born Under A Bad Sign 04 Mother Nature 05 Hey Bartender 06 I'd Rather Go Blind 07 Man Size Job 08 Let The Good Times Roll 09 Voodoo Woman 10 Wang Dang Doodle 11 Stop Watching Your Enemies 12 Sure Had A Wonderful Time Last 13 Come To Mama 14 Time Will Tell 15 Blues Hotel

…Many Thanks to JcOrk for this share! served by Gyro1966...

The Boss Martians "Making The Rounds" 2002

It's wild to see how a band evolves, especially one of my favorite bands: the Boss Martians. This record is a good example of what a great band does to stay fresh and ahead of the game. If you own some of their old records or singles, you might be in for a shock. By exploring new musical territory, in this case hard-hitting pop rock 'n' roll (think Cheap Trick meets Elvis Costello with some 70's proto-punk), the Boss Martians leave behind the increasingly stale garage/surf music scene and make a mark with MAKING THE ROUNDS. This CD rocks! I'm not surprised since I've never been let down by these guys, but I gotta say that this time, the Boss Martians have outdone themselves. Now instead of having Boss Martians records next to my Sonics and Trashmen LP's, I can put them alongside my Dead Boys, Stooges and early Elvis Costello albums. That's cool! - By Jason KlineOn their fourth album, the Northwest based former surf-rockers extricate themselves completely from the reverb-laden instrumental rock waters that grounded their early sound. They now prefer to ride the waves of grungy American garage punk instead, a move they had been shifting toward on their last release. The results are pretty much what you'd expect: loud, brash, trashy guitar/organ-fueled rock with roots in early Paul Revere, the Standells, the Sonics, and Mitch Ryder. Like fellow revisionists the Chesterfield Kings, the Lyres, and the Original Sins, the Boss Martians don't add much to their influences, but they dive into the retro genre with energy, guts, and a ton of conviction. Lead singer/guitarist/primary songwriter Evan Foster makes the most of his soulful pipes, which, along with Nick C.'s Hammond organ, powers these songs that snarl and claw with vicious energy, but won't win any awards for originality. The sound is full and clean, with all four instruments prominent in the mix, yet the effect is still as biting and terse as the most primitively recorded Nuggets group. References to Pete Townsend's guitar runs and Ray Manzarek's fiery organ occasionally peek out of the mix, but the lack of covers proves that Foster wants to make his mark on the genre, albeit within established garage rock boundaries. Songs like "She Moves Me" and the Who-ish "Put Some Hurt on You," with their volcanic guitar/keyboard interaction, practically explode out of the speakers, partially due to Johnny Sangster's (Supersuckers, the Posies, Young Fresh Fellows) savvy production. They're not out to change the world, but if they keep releasing albums as strong as Making the Rounds, the Boss Martians will at least shake it up for a while. - AllMusic Review by Hal Horowitztrax:

01 Making The Rounds 02 She Moves Me 03 Feel It Like Everyone 04 She Was The One 05 Somethings There 06 Dreaming In Stereo 07 Put Some Hurt On You 08 Heard What You Said 09 AMX 10 My Love Aint Free 11 Gold Diggin 12 Every Girl In Town

"Great Disco Demands" Pye International Records DDLP 5002 Mono LP '75

Excellent collection of Northern Soul, recorded in Mono!Mid 70's UK Northern Soul series set up in 1974 by Dave McAleer first under the Pye International label and since 1975 under the Pye Records label. Usually known as 'Pye Disco Demand' on the Northern scene. Dave McAleer was a 60s R&B enthusiast / DJ who was responsible for one of the UK’s earliest soul fanzines, Fame Goldwax Survey, before eventually working as an A&R capacity for record companies including Pye.

trax:

1 - wayne gibson - under my thumb 2 - the casualeers - dance dance dance 3 - the fuzz - i'm so glad 4 - frankie & the classicals - what shall i do 5 - the vel-vets - i got to find me somebody 6 - ila vann - can't help loving dat man 7 - the fugitives - human jungle 8 - john schroeder & orchestra - soul for sale 9 - the javells (feating nosmo king) - goodbye nothin' to say 10 - jerry williams - if you ask me (because i love you) 11 - little johnny blair - momma's gone 12 - al wilson - help me 13 - wally cox - this man 14 - wigan's chosen few - footsee 15 - jimmy breedlove - i can't help loving you

Original 1975 vinyl album even though the Lp says 1974. All tracks are original mono recorded by northern-madman from the LP  @ 128 kbps single mono channel.

…Big Thanks To The Northern Madman for this share from his Mono LP! served by Gyro1966...

PAUL KELLY "Dirt" '72 + "Don't Burn Me" '73 (Expanded) + "The Best Of" 1972-1977

A real breakout album for singer Paul Kelly – his first record in a legendary early 70s run for Warner Brothers, and a set that took southern soul to a new level of righteousness! The sessions for the album were recorded in Memphis, Muscle Shoals, and Nashville – all produced by Buddy Killen (who'd had great fame with Joe Tex a few years before), but in a style that's a bit more laidback, folksy, and sophisticated than much of the contemporary southern soul from the time. In a way, Kelly's approach here opens the door to a wave of 70s albums that would cross over even more strongly than his own work – but Kelly's approach is still the best, and has really held up well over the years. Titles include Paul's famous "Stealin In The Name Of The Lord" – plus "He Ain't Nothing But Dirt", "The Day After Forever", "Hangin On Iin There", "Poor But Proud", "Dirt", "Hot Runnin Soul", and "Soul Flow".  © 1996-2015, Dusty Groove, Inc.

trax:
01 (he ain't nothin' but) dirt 02 509 03 hot runnin' soul 04 hangin' on in there 05 a helping hand 06 soul flow 07 here come ole jezebel 08 poor but proud 09 the day after forever 10 travelin' man 11 what's happenin' to me and you 12 stealin' in the name of the lord
…Many thanks to The Mighty Jillem for the share! served by Gyro1966...One of the best records ever from deep soul singer Paul Kelly – a great talent from the Warner Brothers roster of the early 70s, and a vocalist who might have been more at home on late 60s Atlantic Records! Paul works here with production from Buddy Killen – the southern soul maestro who'd already made many great records with Joe Tex – and the sound of the set is kind of a furthering of the southern indie sound of a few years before – pushed forward with a bit more money and production skills, but still pretty darn perfect at the core. Instrumentation is by a host of southern session greats – including Chips Moman on guitar, Tommy Cogbill on bass, and Bobby Emmons on keyboards – and titles include "Come Lay Some Lovin' On Me", "Come With Me", "Love Me Now", "Wrapped Up In Your Love", "Don't Burn Me", and "Sweetness".  © 1996-2015, Dusty Groove, Inc.

trax:
01 Come Lay Some Lovin' On Me 02 You Bring Me Joy 03 I Wanna Get Next To You 04 I Could Never Love Nobody Like I'm Lovin' You 05 Come With me 06 Love With Me 07 Wrapped Up In Your Love 08 Sweetness 09 Come By Here 10 My Love For You Won't Die 11 I'd Be Satisfied 12 Don't Burn Me 13 Let your love come down (let it fall on me) - Hooked, Hogtied & Collared (1974) 14 I wanna be close to you - Hooked, Hogtied & Collared (1974) 15 Take it away from him (put it on me) - Hooked, Hogtied & Collared (1974) 16 Try my love - Hooked, Hogtied & Collared (1974)
…Many thanks to The Mighty Jillem for the share! served by Gyro1966...At the time of the original recordings on this CD, Paul Kelly was sort of a lost southern soul artist who was being issued by Warner Brothers during the time when they were really trying to cultivate a soul audience among white liberal hipsters. Oddly enough, the rerelease of the material on this compilation seems to have given Kelly the fame with that crowd that he never got in the 70s – which is a good thing, because even though the production's a bit smarmy, Kelly's super-talented, and is a singer who deserves much more recognition than he ever received. The set's one of the better (and more essential) of Warner's Archive series – and it includes lots of nice cuts like "Till I Get To My Baby's Love", "Take It Away From Him", "Don't Burn Me", "Stealin In The Name Of The Lord", and "Stealin Love On the Side". (Out of print.)  © 1996-2015, Dusty Groove, Inc.

trax:

01 stealin' in the name of the lord 02 poor but proud 03 (he ain't nothin' but) dirt 04 come by here 05 i'd be satisfied 06 come with me 07 i wanna get next to you 08 come lay some lovin' on me 09 don't burn me 10 i'm into something i can't shake loose 11 hooked, hogtied & collared 12 take it away from him (put it on me) 13 let your love come down 14 you make me tremble 15 till i get to my baby's love 16 play me a love song 17 get sexy 18 love for sale 19 stealin' love on the side 20 god can

…Many thanks to The Mighty Jillem for the share! served by Gyro1966...

If anyone has the complete album Hooked, Hogtied & Collared by Paul Kelly, please share.

"Good Rockin’ Tonight" THE OLD TOWN RECORDS STORY

A feast of rockin’ R&B hits & misses!Founded by hustler Hy Weiss in 1952, Old Town Records is possibly most noted among fans or its doo wop output. No surprise then, there's a lot of that on offer over these 60 tracks. The Tremaines, Solitaires, Five Crowns (later, add Ben E King, that's a whole new story), Valentines, Gwen Edwards & Co'eds, Fi-Tones, Royaltones, Capris, Fiestas, Cleftones, Keytones, all eminently listenable, uptempo and otherwise.

Plenty of R&B content. Sonny Terry & Brownie McGhee have four, all the better for the addition of small combo backing, Ursula Reed well worth a listen, as is Ruth McFadden (backed by The Supremes, Harptones and Royaltones). Pianist Bob Gaddy is solid, Preston Brown stroll thru a nice organ, guitar and sax instro. Gene Kennedy offers good teen pop and Larry Finnegan is pure pop. Oddballs would include Vinny Lee & The Riders,  instro workout on "Mule Train Rock", and Lou Dee & The Valley Boys get country with a hint of rockabilly. Mustn't forget The Fairfield Four, gospel, tremendous vocal workout on "Don't Let Nobody Turn You Around". (Record Runner)

trax disc 1:

1. Good Rockin' Tonight - Arthur Prysock 2. Let The Little Girl Dance - Billy Bland 3. Uncle Bud - Brownie McGhee & Sonny Terry 4. Walking Along - The Solitaires 5. Don't Let Nobody Turn You Around - The Fairfield Four 6. Jingle Jingle - The Tremaines 7. You're Laffin' 'Cause I'm Crying - Ursula Reed 8. Good Luck Darling - The Five Crowns 9. We Belong Together - Robert & Johnny 10. Tonight Kathleen - The Valentines 11. So Fine - The Fiestas 12. It's True - The Rogues 13. I Love An Angel - The Coeds And Gwen Edwards 14. Wandering Wanderer - Gene Kennedy 15. Darling, Listen To The Words Of This Song - The Supremes & Ruth McFadden 16. I Love My Baby - Bob Gaddy 17. My Faith - The Fi-Tones 18. I Need A Woman - Brownie McGhee & Sonny Terry 19. Crazy Love - The Royaltones 20. Pretty Suzy Sunshine - Pretty Suzy Sunshine

trax disc 2:

1. There's A Moon Out Tonight - The Capris 2. You're Mine - Robert & Johnny 3. I'm Your Slave - The Fiestas 4. I Really Love You So (Honey Babe) - The Solitaires 5. King Of The Hill - Lou Dee & Valley Boys 6. Chicken Hop - Billy Bland 7. Ursula's Blues - Ursula Reed 8. The Masquerade Is Over - The Clefftones 9. She Loves So Easy - Brownie McGhee & Sonny Terry 10. World Of Love - The Rogues 11. I'll Go My Way - Bob Gaddy 12. A Fool In Love - The KeyTones 13. Walk On - Preston Brown 14. School Boy - Ruth McFadden & Harptones 15. How Many Hearts - Billy Bland 16. Never Let Me Go - The Royaltones 17. Later Later Baby - The Five Crowns 18. Dream Girl - Robert & Johnny 19. Look At That Girl - The Fiestas 20. My Dear - The Solitaires

trax disc 3:

1. Mule Train Rock - Vinny Lee & The Riders 2. Gonna Be At The Station - Bob Gaddy 3. Why Do I Cry - The Capris 4. Oh Lonesome Me - Larry Finnegan 5. You Could Be My Love - The Five Crowns 6. Chicken In The Basket - Billy Bland 7. My Dearest Darling - The Clefftones 8. South Of The Border - The Solitaires 9. Memories (Of My Mother) - The Fairfield Four 10. Since My Baby's Been Gone - The Supremes & Ruth McFadden 11. Good News - The Fiestas 12. Am I The Boy - Gene Kennedy 13. Seven Wonders Of The World - The KeyTones 14. Broken Hearted Man - Robert & Johnny 15. If You Love Me - The Rogues 16. Climbing On Top Of The Hill - Brownie McGhee & Sonny Terry 17. Operator - Bob Gaddy 18. Two In Love (With Only One Heart) - Ruth McFadden And The Royaltones 19. Puppy Love - The Rogues 20. Lullaby Of The Bells - The Five Crowns

…served by Gyro1966...

"Rare Funk Uncovered" 15 Essential Ghetto Gems (Goldmine Soul Supply)

Goldmine is firmly back in the business of funky music – with this sweet little 15 track set that matches the intensity of their legendary Sound Of Funk collections! As the title promises, the tunes on the set are all pretty darn rare – pulled from funky 45 sources that go way beyond the obvious, and which offer up a blistering batch of hard to find funky tracks that are the sort that keep us buying sets like this one! Titles include "Eclipse Of A Lover" by Dottie Wright, "Good Thing" by Sweet Breeze, "Third Flight" by Third Flight, "You Can't Hide The Real You" by High Society, "Soul Circle" by Spot & The Blotters, "Anna's Thing" by Anna Raye, "Flintstone Shuffle" by Thomas Bailey & The Flinstones Band, "Whatever's Fair" by Willie Welch's Band with Sharon Ellis, "Love Cycle" by Angelique & Third World, "Red Snow" by The Silhouettes, and "Ghetto King" by Hassan. (Out of print.)  © 1996-2015, Dusty Groove, Inc.

trax:

1 Dottie Wright - Eclipse Of A Lover 2 Sweet Breeze - Good Thing 3 Scotty & The Rib-Tips - The Greasy Spoon Part 1 4 Prince Valiant & The Knights - Backyard 5 High Society - You Van't Hide The Real You 6 3rd Flight -Third Flight 7 Hassan - Ghetto King 8 Black Exotics - Theme Of Blackbyrds 9 Silhouettes - Red Snow 10 Angelique & Third World - Love Cycle 11 Ken Chaney - Keep On Gettin 12 Willie Welch's Band Feat Sharon Ellis - What's Ever Fai 13 Spot & The Blotters - Soul Circle 14 Thomas Bailey And Flintstones Band - Flintstone Shuffle 15 Anna Raye - Anna's Thing

…Many thanks to THE NORTHERN MADMAN for this share! served by Gyro1966...

H.P. LOVECRAFT "I" 1967

Prime psychedelic rock! So you want to know what acid rock is. Well it doesn't get any better than this. The sound and recording quality is that of 1967, but the material will make you feel like your peaking in a crash pad near Haight & Ashbury. Can you dig it?With the exception of a couple of badly dated tracks, this is one of the best second-division psychedelic albums, with strong material that shows the immediately identifiable Edwards-Michaels vocal tandem at its best. According to the LP notes, the songs were largely inspired by novelist H.P. Lovecraft's "macabre tales and poems of Earth populated by another race." It's more haunting than gloomy, though, with deft touches of folk, jazz, and horns. - AllMusic Review by Richie Unterbergertraxfromwax:

1. Wayfaring Stranger 2. Let's Get Together 3. I've Been Wrong Before 4. The Drifter 5. That's The Bag I'm In 6. The White Ship 7. Country Boy & Bleeker Street 8. The Time Machine 9. That's How Much I Love You Baby 10. Gloria Patria